A Resolution for Antimicrobial Resistance-Perspective from the European Parliament- Juniper Publishers
Juniper Publishers- Journal of cell Science
Opinion
As Jim O'Neill writes accurately in his report on
tackling drug- resistant infections, more people could die from
antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in 2050 than from cancer. Roughly
speaking we are talking about 10 million people globally. A very
disturbing figure if we don't act upon it now. The political paradox in
the fight against AMR is that worldwide recognize the actual problem,
but sufficient measures are still lacking [1].
That is why we want to bring the debate at a European level. Although
it is insufficient, it is a first step. We will work towards
establishing a comprehensive approach that is to be reflected in our
report and opinion. The focus will rely on finding the right economic
model to stimulate research and innovation, to determine the correct
diagnostics and focus on data collection and -of course- prevention.
It’s the Economy, Stupid!
As said, in the battle against AMR there is the
paradox for finding the right solution. This is not only supported, but
also maintained by the economic model of pharma industries. The cost of
producing new drugs is very high, so the pharma industry is in desperate
need for revenues coming from the market. It is not an accusation, but a
fact. To fight resistance, it is highly necessary that antibiotics are
used as little as possible. They have to be a last resort, but easy
accessible when in need. There are two approaches to tackle the problem
and I believe that a combination would be most effective. We need
various push and pull incentives to create new medicines and medical
devices. These incentives can only be meaningful when they are
sustainable over the long term, stimulate investment across the entire
product development and life cycle, target key public health priorities
and support appropriate medicinal use. In that way, the Transferrable
Market Exclusivity is only one of the tools to stimulate research into
new molecular entities. Market entry reward in order to accelerate
existing development programmes and drive investment into further
development of off-patent compounds are other possibilities [2].
Prevention is the Best Cure
Nowadays, extensive quantities of antibiotics, the
most prominent antimicrobial, are wasted globally on patients who do
not need them. Another paradox in the fight against AMR is that there
are patients who need antibiotics but do not have access to it. Rapid
diagnostics and the use of the correct tools to determine whether or not
a patient needs antibiotics is a fundamental change we have to make in
the European Union, but worldwide if we effectively want to solve the
problem [3].
The other fundamental change we need to make is the misuse of
antibiotics in the veterinary sector and containing the antimicrobial
exposure in our daily environment.
Knowledge Sharing is Caring
This global collaboration is essential elements in
the global solution to tackle AMR. We have to focus on harmonisation of
the collection of data, and the accessibility of that data. The
European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption is a good
initiative but should be extended to the human sector. The key is
collaboration across borders, sectors and disciplines; such as the human
and veterinary scientists [4].
In 2015, the European Parliament had already developed a new
legislative framework to encourage the development of new antibiotic
drugs. I make a reference to the orphan diseases, rare diseases and
paediatric medicines. Due to the new legal framework the drug
development has increased from 8 in 2000 to more than 130 in 2016. This
same was proposed for antibiotics for animal use [5].
Besides the investments already made in research
and innovation in AMR through the Innovative Medicines Initiative, I
believe it is necessary to allocate more funding to the research in
epidemiology and immunology in healthcare associated infections (HAI).
Lastly, as prevention is the best cure, we need to promote vaccination
programs; not only with children or elderly people. Anyone of us can be
host of viruses without showcasing any symptoms. Monitoring and
surveillance will become easier once the way of data collection is
harmonised [6].
We need a change in mindset on a European level
and on a global level. I want to call on real Science diplomacy as AMR
does not stop at the border of a country. With a changing political
environment, Europe has to become a best practice region, the region
where research, development and innovation are supported and which is
the cradle for solutions to global problems. The Union that shapes the
global agenda on the One Health Action Plan.
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